Interview the customer if possible, to determine the conditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interview to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any of
the customer's comments; refer to

EXT-7, "Diagnostic Worksheet"

. This information is necessary to duplicate

the conditions that exist when the noise occurs.
• The customer may not be able to provide a detailed description or the location of the noise. Attempt to obtain

all the facts and conditions that exist when the noise occurs (or does not occur).

• If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer is

concerned about. This can be accomplished by a test drive with the customer.

• After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics. The noise characteristics

are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.

• Squeak – (Like tennis shoes on a clean floor)

Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard surfaces
= higher pitch noise/softer surfaces = lower pitch noises/edge to surface = chirping

• Creak – (Like walking on an old wooden floor)

Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow movement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch depen-
dent on materials/often brought on by activity.

• Rattle – (Like shaking a baby rattle)

Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contact/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.

• Knock – (Like a knock on a door)

Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/sometimes repeating/often brought on by driver action.

• Tick – (Like a clock second hand)

Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of light materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.

• Thump – (Heavy, muffled knock noise)

Thump characteristics include softer knock/dead sound often brought on by activity.

• Buzz – (Like a bumble bee)

Buzz characteristics include high frequency rattle/firm contact.

• Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may judge

as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.

• Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperature, may have a great effect on noise level.

DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE

SBT842

EXT-4

< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES

If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or location of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle “twist”.
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on A/T model).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
• Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
• If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the vehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the

vehicle body.

LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE

Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pinpoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool
(Engine Ear or mechanics stethoscope).

Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by:

• removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from.

Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fastener can be broken
or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.

• tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise.

Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only tem-
porarily.

• feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the

noise.

• placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.
• looking for loose components and contact marks.

Refer to

EXT-5, "Inspection Procedure"

REPAIR THE CAUSE

• If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.
• If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
- separate components by repositioning or loosening and retightening the component, if possible.
- insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or urethane

tape are available through your authorized Nissan Parts Department.

CAUTION:

Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
NOTE:
• URETHANE PADS

Insulates connectors, harness, etc.

• INSULATOR (Foam blocks)

Insulates components from contact. Can be used to fill space behind a panel.

• INSULATOR (Light foam block)
• FELT CLOTHTAPE

Used to insulate where movement does not occur. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
The following materials, not available through NISSAN Parts Department, can also be used to repair
squeaks and rattles.

• UHMW(TEFLON) TAPE

Insulates where slight movement is present. Ideal for instrument panel applications.

• SILICONE GREASE

Used in place of UHMW tape that will be visible or not fit.
Note: Will only last a few months.

• SILICONE SPRAY

Use when grease cannot be applied.

• DUCT TAPE

Use to eliminate movement.

CONFIRM THE REPAIR

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES

EXT-5

< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >

EXT

Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.

Inspection Procedure

INFOID:0000000010377896

Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.

INSTRUMENT PANEL

Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1.

Cluster lid A and instrument panel

Acrylic lens and combination meter housing

Instrument panel to front pillar garnish

Instrument panel to windshield

Instrument panel mounting pins

Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter

A/C defroster duct and duct joint

These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noise. Most of these incidents can be repaired by apply-
ing felt cloth tape or silicon spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate wiring har-
ness.

CAUTION:

Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or rattle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you will
not be able to recheck the repair.

CENTER CONSOLE

Components to pay attention to include:

Shifter assembly cover to finisher

A/C control unit and cluster lid C

Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit

The instrument panel repair and isolation procedures also apply to the center console.

DOORS

Pay attention to the:
1.

Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise

Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher

Wiring harnesses tapping

Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops

Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them while driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the areas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks to
repair the noise.

TRUNK

Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:

Trunk lid dumpers out of adjustment

Trunk lid striker out of adjustment

Trunk lid torsion bars knocking together

A loose license plate or bracket

Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.

SUNROOF/HEADLINING

Noises in the sunroof/headlining area can often be traced to one of the following:
1.

Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise

Sunvisor shaft shaking in the holder

Front or rear windshield touching headlining and squeaking

EXT-6

< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES

Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.

SEATS

When isolating seat noise it is important to note the position the seat is in and the load placed on the seat
when the noise is present. These conditions should be duplicated when verifying and isolating the cause of
the noise.
Cause of seat noise include:

Headrest rods and holder

A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame

Rear seatback lock and bracket

These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of these incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.

UNDERHOOD

Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:

Any component mounted to the engine wall

Components that pass through the engine wall

Engine wall mounts and connectors

Loose radiator mounting pins

Hood bumpers out of adjustment

Hood striker out of adjustment

These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine RPM
or load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting, securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES

EXT-7

< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >

EXT

Diagnostic Worksheet

INFOID:0000000010377897

PIIB8740E

EXT-8

< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES

PIIB8742E

PRECAUTIONS

EXT-9

< PRECAUTION >

EXT

PRECAUTION

PRECAUTIONS

Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONER"

INFOID:0000000010377898

The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the “SRS AIR BAG” and
“SEAT BELT” of this Service Manual.

WARNING:

Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation.
• To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in

the event of a collision that would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be performed by
an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.

• Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal

injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air Bag
Module, see “SRS AIR BAG”.

• Never use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Ser-

vice Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness
connectors.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS

WARNING:

Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation.
• When working near the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Air Bag System sensors with the

ignition ON or engine running, never use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with
a hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor(s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing
serious injury.

• When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always switch the ignition OFF, disconnect the

battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service.

Precaution Necessary for Steering Wheel Rotation After Battery Disconnect

INFOID:0000000010377899

CAUTION:

Comply with the following cautions to prevent any error and malfunction.
• This Procedure is applied only to models with Intelligent Key system and NATS (NISSAN ANTI-

THEFT SYSTEM).

• Remove and install all control units after disconnecting both battery cables with the ignition switch

in the LOCK position.

• Always use CONSULT to perform self-diagnosis as a part of each function inspection after finishing

work. If DTC is detected, perform trouble diagnosis according to self-diagnostic results.

For models equipped with the Intelligent Key system and NATS, an electrically controlled steering lock mech-
anism is adopted on the key cylinder.
For this reason, if the battery is disconnected or if the battery is discharged, the steering wheel will lock and
steering wheel rotation will become impossible.
If steering wheel rotation is required when battery power is interrupted, follow the procedure below before
starting the repair operation.

OPERATION PROCEDURE

Connect both battery cables.
NOTE:
Supply power using jumper cables if battery is discharged.

Use the Intelligent Key or mechanical key to turn the ignition switch to the ACC position. At this time, the
steering lock will be released.

Disconnect both battery cables. The steering lock will remain released and the steering wheel can be
rotated.

Perform the necessary repair operation.

EXT-10

< PRECAUTION >

PRECAUTIONS

When the repair work is completed, return the ignition switch to the LOCK position before connecting the
battery cables. (At this time, the steering lock mechanism will engage.)

Perform a self-diagnosis check of all control units using CONSULT.

Precaution for Procedure without Cowl Top Cover

INFOID:0000000010377900

When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover
the lower end of windshield with urethane, etc to prevent damage to
windshield.

Precaution for Work

INFOID:0000000010377901

• After removing and installing the opening/closing parts, be sure to carry out fitting adjustments to check their

operation.

• Check the lubrication level, damage, and wear of each part. If necessary, grease or replace it.

PIIB3706J

PREPARATION

EXT-11

< PREPARATION >

EXT

PREPARATION

Commercial Service Tools

INFOID:0000000010377902

Tool name

Description

Engine ear

Locating the noise

Power tool

Clip remover

Removing clips

SIIA0995E

PIIB1407E

E1KIA0055GB

EXT-12

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

COMPONENT PARTS

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

COMPONENT PARTS

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM : Component Parts Location

INFOID:0000000010479943

For the engine related component parts, refer to

ECK-12, "Component Parts Location"

(K9K engine),

EC9-12,

"Component Parts Location"

(R9M engine).

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM : Active grille shutter

INFOID:0000000010479944

Active grille shutter is located at front bumper lower opening, and
according to the signal from ECM it operates actuator

to perform

open/close movement of flap

to control the amount of air flow

taken into engine compartment.

JSBIA4779ZZ

No.

Component

Reference

Active grille shutter

EXT-12, "ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM : Active grille
shutter"

ECM

• K9K engine models: Refer to

ECK-12, "Component Parts Loca-

tion"

• R9M engine models: Refer to

EC9-12, "Component Parts Loca-

tion"

JSBIA3648ZZ

SYSTEM

EXT-13

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

EXT

SYSTEM

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM : System Diagram

INFOID:0000000010479945

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM : System Description

INFOID:0000000010479946

While driving, the active grille shutter system closes shutter to reduce air flow to engine compartment for the
purpose of reducing aerodynamic drag, and as a result, improves the vehicle's fuel efficiency.
ECM controls active grille shutter system by detecting vehicle status through respective modules and sensors.
Active grille shutter actuator is equipped with self-diagnosis function. When it detects malfunction, transmits
diagnosis signal to ECM and ECM records active grille shutter malfunction.

BASIC MOVEMENTS

• S1: Approximately 30 - 160 km/h (19 - 100 MPH)
• *1: Shutter initial position learning.
• *2: Judgement of high vehicle speed.
• *3: Judgement of low vehicle speed.

DESCRIPTION OF MOVEMENTS

Active grille shutter is fully open when the vehicle stops or the ignition switch is turned OFF.
ECM operates the shutter to close position in order to perform shutter's initial position learning when the igni-
tion switch is turned ON and the vehicle reaches the specified speed for the first time. At the end of initial posi-
tion leaning ECM operates shutter to open position. (The initial position learning is performed every time when
ignition switch is turned OFF

→

ON.)

While driving, after the initial position learning ends, ECM operates the active grille shutter to close position
when the operational conditions of active grille shutter are met.
While driving at high speed, ECM operates the shutter to open position when the vehicle reaches the specified
speed in order to prevent the shutter from shutting up by wind resistance.

JSBIA5056GB

JSBIA5059GB

EXT-14

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

SYSTEM

When the vehicle speed is reduced below the specified speed ECM operates active grille shutter to open posi-
tion.

ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS

ECM operates active grille shutter to close position when following all conditions are met.

ECM operates active grille shutter to open position when one of the following conditions is met.

Item

Status

Active grille shutter initial position learning

Complete

Vehicle speed

Approx. 30 - 160 km/h (19 - 100 MPH)

Engine coolant temperature

Approx. less than 95

C (203

CVT fluid temperature

Approx. less than 135

C (275

Cooling fan

OFF

Refrigerant pressure

0.78 MPa (7.95 kg/cm

, 113.1 psi) or less

Malfunction of engine coolant temperature sensor system

Not detected

Malfunction of vehicle speed sensor system

Not detected

Malfunction of CAN communication system

Not detected

Item

Status

Vehicle speed

• 22 km/h (14 MPH) or less
• 160 km/h (100 MPH) or more

Engine coolant temperature

Approx. 95

C (203

F) or more

CVT fluid temperature

Approx. 135

C (275

F) or more

Cooling fan

Refrigerant pressure

1.18 MPa (12.04 kg/cm

, 171.1 psi) or more

Malfunction of engine coolant temperature sensor system

Detected

Malfunction of vehicle speed sensor system

Detected

Malfunction of CAN communication system

Detected

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